8th Graders Asked to Prove there was a Holocaust

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It’s one of the darkest periods of time during history…the Holocaust.

Six million Jews were murdered by the Nazis making it the worst case of documented genocide the world has ever seen.

Yet, one homework assignment in Rialto, California, asked 8th grade students to debate whether or not the Holocaust actually happened, citing credible sources on both sides.

The controversial question in the assignment read: “…write an argumentative essay, based upon cited textual evidence, in which you explain whether or not you believe this was an actual event in history or merely a political scheme created to influence public emotion and gain wealth…”

I am all about students using their heads for critical thinking. And arguing a point and looking at both sides. But when it comes to something as sensitive as the Holocaust, or even slavery, this is not the right subject matter to do that. So to me the district had a major fail with this assignment.